Interpol Alerts Morocco to Rising COVID-19 Related Crimes and Cyberthreats

In this epidemiological crisis period, Interpol has presented several innovative methods for using technology and artificial intelligence to adapt to the challenges of COVID-19-related crimes. In this context, "investigators have drawn Morocco’s attention to the most widespread crimes in the world since the spread of the coronavirus. These include drug trafficking via social networks, cybercrime threats, the trade in counterfeit personal protective equipment, targeting healthcare providers, essential product outlets and credit institutions," reports Assabah.

In a report published by Interpol, it is clearly stated "that there have been major changes in the forms of crime recently, due to the spread of the coronavirus and the confinement of half the world’s population." The same document emphasizes that "confinement has reduced the number of burglaries in homes."

But the criminals have transferred their fury to "industrial units and other workplaces deserted by personnel on technical unemployment." Interpol investigators also mentioned "a significant increase in domestic violence and specify that women and children are the most exposed to abuse."

Interpol also found that "pedophiles seeking to acquire sexual products are multiplying their purchase requests on social networks," taking advantage of "the lack of Internet supervisors responsible for removing any publication related to this illicit trade." Migrant trafficking, human trafficking and fraud have also undergone many changes since the beginning of this global health crisis.